International mobility

Davide, Lollo and Mounir in Torre del Greco

2010-05-03T16:02:00.000+02:00

Our ex-volunteers, Davide, Lollo and Mounir partocipated in the final evaluation meeting organized by Amesci in Torre del Greco ... look at the pictures :O)

VIDEOS about EVS at ALCE NERO

2009-12-16T15:54:00.003+01:00

Here are 2 videos showing what we do at Alce Nero:
1) as EVS HOSTING ORGANISATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jejdkfsViKg
2) as EVS CO-ORDINATING ORGANISATION
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jakyDE7zAk

EVS videos

2009-12-03T15:33:00.002+01:00

Here's to you some videos showing our EVS hosting projects. Interviews with responsible people, activities to be implemented, volunteers' profile required, etc.:

EVS at Mamré: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvn5CN5I85k

EVS at Casa della rosa: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkXk8iXeqz0

EVS at Agorà: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8rSq4Xnml0

EVS at Filofestival: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGr_PR9Muj4

EVS at Mosaico: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=raYI-npnmn8

Davide from Brazil

2009-11-19T11:43:00.003+01:00

One of our volunteers in Brazil came back to Italy for some days to present his dissertation
(CONGRATULATIONS!!!) and came on over to tell us about his experience. Here's what he said:

"Olá pessoal! Here I am, two weeks after my (first) return to Italy and one day before my longed for departure to Brazil. I can tell you my first impression after almost 2 months spent in Parnaíba as an EVS volunteer of the Youth in Action programme. Project and activities are going well, surely thanks to the welcoming atmosphere, the climate, and the kindness shown by the whole community of Barro Vermelho. They really embody that “jeito brasileiro”, the typical behaviour of those people who never lost their joy of living in spite of all adversities and hard plights. Our local activity covers different fields: from simply supporting children in after-school activities to collaborating with some Universities in Parnaíba, in order to give Arbave, our host association as much visibility as possible, and make it well known by as many people as possible. The aim is spreading their projects and ideas around in the widest and deepest way, so to create a network not just "by word of mouth" but tightly conected and integrated in the social and cultural structure. As for the personal side, sharing the same experience with 3 more people is exciting and challenging, and gives an added value to what we have gone through up to now. For the momente it "us" and "them", but I am confident that this distance between will get shorter and shorter. Até mais,

Davide"

Até breve Fátima!

2009-11-18T16:32:00.003+01:00

And Fátima also left, the Portuguese volunteer who carried out her service at Casa della Rosa. She wrote that..." First of all, it's been an experience to write about, and of course I would recommend it to the others, because it's an opportunity to have a “work” experience, to know about life, people, a new language, a new culture, to better get to know ourselves. And it is also an opportunity to deal with daily life at home and at “work”, and to meet a lot of people from other countries at the same time. I found the most important things that I wanted to find (work, people, culture, living in community, sharing experience with foreign people, etc.) and the fact that I could carry out my own project inside the community. We can learn a lot with EVS, and if I didn't take this chance I wouldn't have had this wonderful experience in Italy!"

Good-bye Will and Louise!

2009-11-18T16:24:00.002+01:00

They have just gone back to England and we are already missing their British accent!

Here is how Will and Louise describe their experience after 9 months at Coop. Agorà. Let's leave the last word to them!

WILL: "I feel that I have matured a lot throughout my EVS project. This experience has taught me a lot about responsibility, patience and maturity. have had an unforgettable time on my EVS. I have gained some valuable life skills that will help me in future adventures. I have also met some amazing people and some of these people I will never forget. I think that the skills I gained on a personal level would help in any future job. It has been very interesting adjusting to a new culture; at times it has been difficult but I have welcomed these challenges. Meeting other volunteers from around Europe and the world has made me more aware of other cultures and lifestyles."

LOUISE: "My project and the people within it have been fantastic. I could not have asked for better people to spend my 9 months with. Integration was difficult at first but after learning a bit more language I managed to have many pleasant conversations with my neighbours. The cultural differences were obvious when we tried to socialize with people our own age but I have found friends older than myself that I have spent quality time with and have enjoyed the company of very much. I have learnt many skills such as personal care, feeding and interaction of people less able. I have learnt a lot about the culture such as the importance of family.
I have learnt that European people seem to know more about the English than we do about the rest of Europe. I hope we can change this! This EVS has already helped me for the future as I have been offered a position working in the same environment. "

Agela wrote

2009-11-09T15:32:00.005+01:00

Our ex-EVS Angela, now on vacation in Australia, writes us:

"The journey was... well... how to say? Veeery long, really a massacre, especially when I was sitting next to an old couple from Singapore who were arguing and hassling in their seats all time long :) Australia is a wonderful country. My first general impression: Sunshine and happy, kind, smiling people everywhere. They turn to you and cheerily greet you whatever you are doing (simply going to the grocery, ordering in a bar or simply in the street). I still find it hard communcating in English, when I want to say something Italian words always come out :) I'm going to buy a nice English book in order to switch me on a bit. Brisbane is a very big town but not very old, there are almost only new high palces and skyscrapers in the city, just a couple of churches and buildings from the colonies' time. In short, it doesn't look historical (like every Italaian corner), and I am already missing that. Australians themselves say a bit ironically that in Australia "no culture, but a lot of nature", which is true. There are countless opportunities to pass your free time into the wild, enjoying flora and fauna, and I am trying to get the most of my days here: a walk into the nearest National Park, (rainforest, waterfalls, eucalypt forest), a weekentoto the ocean and... the ocean is the ocean, no doubts, but to tell the truth I don't like it too much: the water is soo cold and there are such huge and scaring waves. The most beautiful thing for me is the jungle, where we even climbed up a vulcano: it was wonderful! Luckily I have also earned some money, so I don't feel guilty in buying some dresses :) and going on excursions every weekend :)

I have to go now, a big hug to everybody,

Angela"

Good-bye Ivana

2009-10-14T13:10:00.002+02:00

Hi!

My name is Ivana and I am at the end of my EVS in Mantova.
I can still remember when I was writing on this blog about my arrival to Italy. At that time I had a lot of enthusiasm and many expectations. Today I can say that the enthusiasm passed away and it transferred to the curiosity about what will follow after this nice phase of my life.

…I had the opportunity to take part in many marvelous trips around Italy, in plenty of going outs with our Italian friends… it would be hard for me to select immediately the most memorable days … but one thing I know for sure also now, I am taking home many unforgettable experiences.
In the future, in Slovakia, or wherever I will be then, I will watch the photos taken in Italy with a great pleasure, thinking that those nine month spent here were really worth it J

I can’t forget to name the persons that surrounded me here, my flat mates, friends, mentors, tutors and the children from the centre where I worked were “gentilissimi”.
Especially in the moments when I missed my home country, people who stayed there, Slovak habits or our way of humor, my friends and colleagues understood that I needed to be alone for a while and after then they stood by my side ready to listen… special thanks to Janka, Lourdes, Fanny, Joschka, Fatima, Angela, Vittoria, Francesca, Irene … I got from you so much attention that I will never be able to return it to you.
I am leaving this place with a debit (btw. with some missing working hours too…I don’t know how this could happen…mamma mia, che scema!...:)). I can repay this debit only with great thanks…
..but I hope that I also managed to give you something from me. J

Many hugs
Yours Ivana

Hello to everybody!

2009-09-03T11:25:00.001+02:00

My name is Isabel, I am 18 years old and I want to tell you about my EVS (European Voluntary Service) experience in Italy.

Firstly, I would like to mention that when I was in Spain, I was thinking how it would be in Italy. I expected to be a little bit lonely, because I didn’t know almost anybody, couldn’t speak Italian and had never been abroad alone.

This is my second stay in Italy. For the first time I was here with a group of Spanish youngsters that I already knew. It was for one week and the name of the project was “Black on White”. During the exchange I had first time an occasion to get to know youngsters coming from other counties, like France, Turkey, Italy and live with them.

During the project I got to know Vittoria and Irene who work for Alce Nero Cooperative. It was them who told me what EVS was about and proposed me to take part in the project in Mantova.

When I came to Italy to work as a volunteer, Vittoria showed me the apartment where I met my flat mates Fanny, Ivana, Angela and Joschka.

My job:
I worked in three different CREDs (City Summer Centres), always with the children. First one was in Montanara where I worked with Michela. There were forty children. At the beginning it was difficult to communicate and understand them but in few weeks I have started to comprehend them better. It didn’t take me long time adapting to all these new activities because I like working with the kids.

After this experience in Montanara I was in Porto Mantovano where I worked with Ivana, the volunteer who lives with me, and finally in Cred of Mantova.

During these two months in Italy, usually at the weekends, I had the possibility to see other cities with my flat mates and other friends that I got to know in Mantova. For example Genoa with its aquarium and during the Buskers’ festival also Ferrara.

This EVS was a positive experience for me. It also helped me to change some ideas which I had before coming to Italy. In fact I thought that studying was useless, but now I think that when I get back to Spain, I will continue in the studies and I would like to become a sport teacher.

Sincerely, I am very proud of having this opportunity and that I have managed to live with persons coming from different places.

Who's there? Raise your hand!

2009-07-09T15:09:00.007+02:00

"Lève ta main" PROJECT IN MANTOVA

Participation, dialogue with local authorities and active citizenship: these are the key-words of the international project “Lève ta Main”, that in French means “raise your hand”, promoted by our social cooperative Alce Nero, in collaboration with the Province of Mantova. This is the second international meeting, after a first encounter made in Frontignan last month.
The main aim is to open or facilitate communication channels between young people and administrators. In order to shorten the gap and experience what being active citizens engaged in local communities means. The protagonists are 15 Mantovan and French youngsters, who are hosted at Rivalta hostel in these days. The activities are held in different parts of the town, among with Zanzara and Lab.Com. Yesterday's activities were: focus group on the theme of abstention, a role-play to experience active citizenship, and a meeting with Marco De Pietri, president of Alce Nero .
Today the youngsters have been to S. Agnese, where they met with: Ilaria Rebecchi, coordinator of the Youth Information Centre of Mantova, Ton Vilalta, referent person for Lab.Com (and previously an EVS volunteer), Fausto Banzi, councillor in charge of social policies at the Province of Mantova, and Luca Malavasi, town councillor of the village Quistello. It's been a very interesting and lively exchange of ideas, in the spirit of dialogue among youngsters and local authorities.
In the afternoon our French guests will be presented some meaningful experiences of active participation by with young people in Mantova, such as the case of the "blue T-shirts" of Festivaletteratura, the GXG association of Curtatone and the cultural association Pollywood of S. Benedetto Po.
Tomorrow the project will end with a solid proposition made by participants to Teresa Spagna (social policies of the Province of Mantova). Then, free time to discover Mantova and its outskirts, through a canoeing excursion on the Mincio river.
The other French partners are Ipeicc association of Montpellier, the Province of Hérault and the Municipality of Frontignan (Montpellier).

Next appointment will be in November, always thanks to the co-funding of the "Youth in Action" programme.

Exchange FRANCE - May 2009

2009-06-25T18:08:00.028+02:00

Here are some photos from our last exchange on the theme of "urban cultures" in Frontignan, a town in the South of France. A mix of 4 Turks, 4 French, 5 Portuguese and us, the 4 Italians shared the passion for dancing to get closer to each others' cultures and increase their European awareness. During the week we also prepared a show and presented it at the local Festipop. It was a meeting full of surprises, body language(!) and discoveries. These pics speak for themselves... thank you all once more, Frontignan and Alce Nero, and to the European Union that financed us...

Fanny, Tommy, Rafo, Filippo and Mounir

FESTIPOP http://festipop.spf34.org/

2009-06-22T17:20:00.004+02:00

Vard,Vard,Vard...
After 9 months full of new adventures, our armenian friend finished her EVS project, we hope to receive news from her very soon and that she can find the way to come back.

Here is what she wrote before leaving : "this project allowed me to do new things that I didn't do before : working with children, living on my own or with new people, moving around in a country and towns new to me...I had a wonderful experience in this beautiful and friendly place. I would like to go on and give my best to help people in need. I'd love to come back one day..."

See you soon then!

Europe Day: the "Mantuan" EVS

2009-06-22T16:32:00.014+02:00

... and in this new post... some pics of all EVS volunteers who participated in the Europe day. Thank you guys!

Vard

Lucile

Ivana

Louise&Will

Fatima

Fanny

Emilia

Angela

Europe day 2009

2009-06-22T14:34:00.022+02:00

Here are some pics from the last Europe Day

an afternoon rich with activities about Europe for children, youngsters and families:

The Europe jigsaw, games for children, drawing, proverbs form the world, body painting, etc.

Also a meeting with the journalist Marina Gersony was organised about "The Europe I would like",

In the end the "Blue aperitif" was served, together with recipes from the world

EVS wedding!

2009-06-22T12:59:00.003+02:00

CONGRATULATIONS to Marta and Mirko, who got married last Saturday!
Marta came from Poland in 2004 to do her EVS in Castel Goffredo (Mantova) at cooperativa Bucaneve.
After that she decided to stay and kept on working with disabled there.
Then she met with Mirko and finally...
We wish them a happy life together :O)

Angela

2009-03-06T17:11:00.001+01:00

I’m Angela, I’m 26 years old and I come from Hungary, a small country in the heart of Europe.
I arrived in this town in the beginning of January, I like Mantova very much (except for the fog), it’s very nice and much smaller, cleaner and calmer than Budapest.

I have been living here for 2 months now. I work in the district of Mantova called Lunetta, in the Centre of Aggregation of the Youth (C.A.G.) as a volunteer (what a suprise… J).
The staff of the C.A.G. organizes the „afterschool” in the elementary school for children with learning difficulties: we help them to their homeworks, to be prepared for the next school-day. On the other hand a „space for children” (3 times a week) and a „space for teenagers” (3 times a week) are organized in the afternoon, during which and where they can play together, they can take part in different laboratories (for ex. of art, of music, of stories), they can do different activities; in one word: where they can spend their freetime in a bit organized and controlled way, but under circumstances friendly and free enough. In addition the C.A.G. organizes other events too: trips, swimming pool, amusement park, theatre, parties for children.

I like this work very much, it’s a type of work absolutely unknown for me until now, it’s a new and nice experience for me to try it and to do it. It’s an absolutely different life for me, and that’s why I’m here. I did my degree in jurisprudence and I worked more than 2 years in that field of work, which I didn’t like much. First of all that’s why I decided to „change life”, to come here in Italy and to work as a volunteer.

I hope that in the end of „my project” I will manage to learn some other things about myself, and I will know how and where to continue my adult-life.

Our volunteers wrote to us

2009-03-05T17:48:00.008+01:00

Our volunteers wrote to us how they felt about their future voluntary work.
Don't hesitate to let us also some testimonies. Thanks

Ambra for Holland

2009-03-05T17:42:00.004+01:00

Ok let’s try!
The experience that I am doing to make is completely new for me and I hope to undertake.
I have never done voluntary work before and my studies were not pertaining to social areas or humanity.
In my life, I every time take care of the others but with being so young, I will also put myself to the test with this experience !
A lot of people that I know, asked me if I was a crazy when they knew about my departure…They thought that if they were in my place, they would never do this “to sacrifice”, to take my time and work for free (or almost) for someone.
I see it in a different way, I think this project will give me more than what I will offer to it, in exchange.
I think that experience like this could enrich me from many points of view, it could make me growing, maturing and learning a lot.
I don’t know what can happen during this month but I hope, I will succeed in the organization, in giving and taking the best.
Ciao
Ambra

from Lara

2009-03-05T17:41:00.001+01:00

Ciao,
I don’t really know what I can tell you… presently, I am really excited about the imminent departure…I don’t understand nothing anymore! Well!...I am electrified by the idea to attend experience like this! I think, it is a way how show to myself and to others what I am truly worth, how much stuff I succeed to do and how strong I am. It is a good occasion to test myself as a person, to mature, to grow, to know and extend my horizonts.
What is more, the activities that I am going to develop pertain to my studies and I guess I will take advantages of this trip also in the professional side…
Ciao
Lara

from Chiara before the brazilian expedition!

2009-03-05T17:39:00.002+01:00

The truth is that i didn’t really have time to think so much about this departure. I gave all my energy to be patient in the expectations, and I don’t know when i will rise anchor!
However, when I think about the sentence “one year in Brazil” the frame of my mind is curiosity. Curiosity of knowing whom will I meet, what will I do, how will I react to the different situations, why was I so charmed by this experience more as any other, what diabolic ideas will pass in my mind, what impressions will make on me the persons and the place …Well! I am going to leave with my empty bag and with a great desire to fill it! (also I guess that all this patience will come with me!)"
Ciaoooo
Chiara

Soon...

2009-02-05T18:15:00.001+01:00

Let us announce you that in few days eight new volunteers are joining us in Alce Nero Organisation.
Firstly, on 17 February 2009 Louise and Will from the United Kingdom arrive.
On 19 February we will again welcome two new young people here, we are awaiting Fatima from Portugal and Lucile from France.
On 20 February Joschka, Ronja and Elise from Germany join us.
Finally, on 19 April we will also have between us Iwona from Poland.

Welcome!

2009-01-29T16:00:00.006+01:00

I am Ivana from Slovak Republic. Only few people know where it is, so very briefly :) It is a little charming :) country in the heart of Europe and since year 2004 it is in EU and NATO.

...soon it will be first month since I have come to Mantova, to work as a volunteer in the daily minor care center in small village Grazie. During the weekdays I help Francesca, btw. from my side very admirable educator, to take care of nine kids. I'd not rather speak about them one by one because each is wonderfully different so it would cost quite lots of space to describe work with them. Simply, during my stay in the centre I feel I have done a right decision to become a volunteer for at least 9 months. I am happy now that I have interrupted my boring:) job in Slovakia to be with kids, help them with homework, prepair their activities etc.

I am also pleased to contribute to any activities and projects which Alce Nero leads or organises during the whole year... there are many as I read and saw on the photos :)

Additionally, except of the fact that Mantova and the historical cities in nearby regions are miraculous I also appreciate the people in the centre and Alce Nero office because it is always about the people around you... here they are always ready to help me, answering my questions and believe me, there are many... :)
I truly agree with Fannies sentence that the time here passes fast but I spend it effectivelly :)

Welcome!

2008-12-15T11:17:00.007+01:00

Since some months three new volunteers arrived, to Mantova, to pick up the baton...

Emilia

I am carrying out a project of 12 months for the association Filofestival in Mantova. We have already begun to work for the session 2009 of this Festivaletteratura. I help to prepare the invitations for the foreign authors. I really like this project, working with books, authors and publishers. It is also a useful experience for me to learn much about the sphere of the organization of cultural events.

Fanny

I have been here in Mantova for one month now to assist international activities in Alce Nero. I am from a rainy and hearty place that is called the North of France! I am looking forward to speaking Italian to understand the Italian culture and people around me. Landed to Milano, on a raining day, my dream of sun vanished! But the fact to arrive in winter doesn’t change the beauty of Mantova: When I arrived here, directly someone told me “forget the parties that you expect, There is not much to do here.” But for me since one month, I haven’t got bored one minute. At Alce Nero, projects follow one after the other, from Segni di infanzia to the organization of intercultural party, through Rintraccari. Time is passing already quickly, I hope that my nine months won’t pass at this speed.

Vard

My name is Varduhi and I come from far away Armenia. I am doing EVS in Castiglione delle Stiviere with cooperativa Mosaico, where I’m supporting educational activities with babies at a nursery school and youngsters at Mondolandia centre. At first I used to live with Ola who has now finished her EVS, so I am alone now. I am looking forward to next project approval, so that we can welcome two more volunteers like me!

Segni d'infanzia and Rintraccarti

2008-12-12T13:23:00.013+01:00

These last months, our volunteers also participated in two important cultural events in Mantova like Segni di infanzia (http://www.segnidinfanzia.org/)

and Rintracciarti (http://www.rintracciarti.org/)

Good-bye everybody

2008-12-11T13:00:00.035+01:00

Well... where are they?! Those who welcomed us, who transmitted to us all they learnt? After nine months for them, and one for me, my supports have just flown back to Sopot, Blackpool, Lipetsk... Now we must manage without them, learn how to wake up without them, cook without them, learn Italian without them. But they were there, to teach us not to enter that shop because it's too expensive, make us appreciate Russian music, make parties, find out the best coffe...

To end on a high note we organised a theme evening on "Italian abroad and we in Italy”. Here are some pics about that last party together, which Tania conceived: there are thise still at the beginning of their discovery, and those who already feel at home...

In order to bring to light everybody's ideas, we scattered throughout Arci Tom dynamic games during the international buffet, a mix of moussaka, paella and foie gras.

Choose the pic that in your opinion best represents a foreigner's expression when in Italy.

Italians seen by foreigners

Italians abroad

Where do you feel more foreigner?

Leave a message for your next journey...

We also tried to explain a bit how it is like feeling foreigners, the sensations you feel before departure, and then leaving a place where you already belong: and here are Tania's discovery in Italy, Lisa's feelings, or Francesco's EVS experience in Russia.

More pics of the party...

Cecilia... the italian legend in Belgium

2008-09-10T12:33:00.003+02:00

If you are interested to know more about her and her project, here is the link to her BLOG

From Russia, from love...

2008-09-08T11:48:00.003+02:00

Comes back from his 4 months EVS project in Russia...
If you are interested to know more about him and his trip and challenges see his BLOG

Zanzi in action!

2008-09-04T15:46:00.015+02:00

• It is a place of solidarity where there would be proposed courses dedicated to the awareness of human rights, with particular regard to social disadvantages and to the personal promotion in each dimension

• It is a place of sociality where it is possible to meet and propose animation initiative of the community for the children, youngsters, and adults, for the whole family

• It is a place of culture where it is possible to stimulate the community through programming musical and art events, through deep collaboration with cultural opportunities in the City of Festivals

• It is a place of the well-being, live privilege area, a territory of discovering; where it is possible to get knowledge of the natural and ambient aspects, to return to the community

• It is a place of participation where people, associations and institutes could find the common place where they could propose the activities, to confront and develop together new forms of the social promotion

Live music:
Each Saturday musical bands prepare the concerts of the different musical styles

Events and manifestations:
On Thursday evening’s there are alternated between theatre performances, musical workshops, poems, and thematic evenings in collaboration with the net of the cultural agencies in Mantova.

To the park with family:
Sunday (in the morning and in the evening) there are activities addressed to the children and their parents. Workshops, games, animation, tournaments and a feast for the adults and youngsters, to spend time on the lake in different and funny ways.

For the youngest one:
On Tuesday evening’s animators and artists content children and their parents with enterprises dedicate to the little ones. Among the propositions: Good Night fairytales, magic evenings, “before going to sleep”…, etc.

Zanzaperizzando:
Each Wednesday there is an aperitivo inspired by the ethnic food accompanied with the DJ set.

Finger food:
Friday’s night Zanzara animates wine and food events to discover in an informal way the way the food tastes. Live music.

Restoration:
Zanzara offers a bar to our guests, where they could try ice-creams, drinks, sandwiches; also there is a small restaurant with typical food from Mantova.

Solidarity:
Together with voluntary associations and social cooperatives are organized thematic moments of awareness and promotion of the activities of the third sector in Mantova.

You will find Zanzara in the middle of Parco del Mincio on the enchanting bank of the middle lake in Mantova (Andrea Barbato’ gardens)

How to arrive:
• from the Cittadella’s bicycle lane
• from the Belfiore’s bicycle lane
• from the bicycle lane of the Middle lake
• from the decline on the side of the Porta Mulina round about
• from the bicycle lane of the Pitentino street
Parking
• Asl – Trento street
• Lungolago – Mincio avenue• D’Arco square

Mixitè.Youth Exchange.France

2008-08-29T12:49:00.023+02:00

A 16 days’ unforgettable experience. 16 days of dance and fun. 16 days among creative people and great dancers.
Different styles, techniques, ways of teaching, one passion, the passion for dance.
4 Partner countries ITALY, FRANCE, ENGLAND, SWEDEN
4 parts of one big ballet
4 visited cities Marseille, Avignon, Monteux, St Marie de la Mer
4 successful performances
One million of activities… extreme canoeing, amazing horse riding, deep excursions, exhausting shopping in Marseille, boundless boat trip, the unforgettable beach Blue Coast
30 people… wonderful… from all over Europe… different and similar… Memories like photo flashes. Experience which is impossible to forget and necessary to have.

Federico came back from France!

2008-06-20T09:44:00.030+02:00

Our Zanzara bar is going to be open in a while!

2008-06-17T15:17:00.045+02:00

To celebrate the upcoming opening and great triumph over the bureaucracy we organized an aperitif buffet on the upper lake just at the place where our greatly anicipated Zanzara will be open in a while. There was Jazz on the sunset, a wonderful trip on the boat and a tasty aperitif from our future barmen. It was splendid day to pass with your friends. Here You will find all the photos from the night, that include; our volunteer SVE Lisa and our apprentice Lahcen who are working on the "Zanzara" project, Christian and Daniele who are responsible for the project and the others from our tribe.

Video EVS 2008

2008-06-16T14:59:00.000+02:00

The full version is HERE

Daniela and Elena from Mantova to Brasile

2008-06-16T13:09:00.000+02:00

What could I say about my project? I'll try to summarize in a few worlds everything which seems to be the most important aspects: my experience which I've had here and continue to have currently is hard and difficult.

We face problems and misunderstandings which make you suffer but this promotes discussion- where you discover lots of things about yourself as it happens in life (it seems that I'm 50 years old, but It is not true!!).From another aspect I think that this occasion is very important for me, for all these opportunities are extremely positive outcomes.

There is the opportunity to learn valuable knowledge upon a culture different from your own, to receive the fondness from the children - both; simple and wonderful and the happiness to meet people whom deserve to be respected.

Furthermore you can begin to understand the 'real distance' between your habitual perspective and your new cultural perspective. It becomes a pleasure to feel (almost physically) that your mind is opening and enriching thanks to all this. Like all things valuable and intensive, you are suffering and grateful at the same time, you are crying and laughing with the same naturalness, and this makes you feel, simply that you are alive.

KissesDaniela

European Festival

2008-05-15T11:32:00.040+02:00

let's act together...

Federico - EVS volunteer from Mantova, participating in a project in France

2008-05-15T10:15:00.008+02:00

The main parts of the project include: a preparation of a tartana (an old typical vessel from Marsel) and the navigation to Barcelona. During our trip to Spain we will make stops in different places for brief excursions and various activities (for example cleaning the beach and the illustration of the project for the boats' visitors).

This project will allow me to discover the traditional navigation under sail and to consider the different points of view in the Mediterranean environment. More importantly there will be an intercultural exchange with guys from different countries (France, England and Poland).

Now I'm in Sete - a wonderful place! Each moment is getting closer to when i will leave for Barcelona. Everything is ok... and to communicate we use italofrenchenglish - impossible to translate but understandable! The project is going well, I'm studying how to surf under the sail and I could say that I really like it.... "Hello from the sailor Federico see you soon".

Hi to everybody in Italy+ kiss, Federico.

Antje + Gabi = the 'all night' party

2008-05-12T10:16:00.020+02:00

4 may Gabi had his Birthday and

Antje had her last day of her Erasmus program in Italy in coop. Alce Nero

We all miss you, Antje...

Perfect volunteer

2008-04-17T12:46:00.014+02:00

As the "perfect volunteer"does not exist it was hard to summurise all the best qualities in one person. Through the discussion we realised that each of us had different ideas of what "the perfect volunteer" was. We did it! Now you try! What is the perfect volunteer in your opinion? write 5 qualities in the comment.

Pa, Lorena, Evelin, Raquel

2008-04-16T11:43:00.022+02:00

Our intelligent Pa from Turkey

clubby Lorena from Germany

gentle Evelin from Romania unforgetable Raquel from Portugal

Their project is -
Organisation:ASSOCIAZIONE ABRAMO ONLUS

Project location:Mantova is a town of 50,000 inhabitants, in the centre of the Po valley, Northern Italy. The project offers 2 different places:
1) Casa della rosa, located in Goito, a village of around 10,000 inhabitants, about 15 km from Mantova. It is connected to Mantova by a coach service running every hour.
2) Comunità Mamrè, located in S. Giorgio, in the hinterland of Mantova, next to an important industrial area. The village is close to Mantova, that you can reach by bike or bus. Project summary:The association "Abramo onlus" is an organisation of the Caritas of Mantova, inspired to Christian values. The activities of this EVS project will take place in two centres:
1) Casa della rosa is a community for women and children at risk of social exclusion, experiencing a difficult situation (e.g. abused women, who left or were rejected from their home because of a difficult relationship with their partners or parents, young single mothers or pregnant women, homeless, etc.).Volunteers will mainly take care of the children while their mothers are at work.
2) Comunità Mamrè, is a community for men and families at risk of social exclusion (economic problems, immigration, alcoholics, people with psychiatric problems, homeless...) Volunteers will help in preparing meals, cleaning, service at the canteen, guaranteeing a presence at night and at weekends, secretary help, gardening, supplies, etc.

Lisa

2008-04-16T11:40:00.002+02:00

Lisa - our princesse from England

All information about her project you could get here

ZANZARA BAR

Tatiana

2008-04-16T11:31:00.006+02:00

Tatiana - our colorful volunteer from Russia
Her project is -
Organisation:ALCE NERO società cooperativa sociale
Project location:Mantova is a town of 50,000 inhabitants, in the centre of the Po valley, Northern Italy.
Theme:European Awareness and youth policies
Project summary:Volunteers can choose to work in projects for:- fostering Social Integration for youngsters and families- enhancing youth participation in cultural activities- promoting the international activities of the cooperativa

Gabi and Ana

2008-04-16T10:46:00.006+02:00

Gabi - our multilingual volunteer from Romania

Ana - our wonderful volunteer from France

Organisation: LA QUERCIA Società Cooperativa Sociale di Solidarietà Onlus Project location: Lombardy, Roverbella Roverbella is located between the historical towns of Mantova (15 km) and Verona (25 km) and only 15 km from the Lake of Garda.
Theme:Disability
Project summary: volunteers are working at The Centro Diurno Integrato for Disables “Spazio aperto” (CDD), a day Centre open for 23 people with severe handicap and at the Comunità Alloggio Socio Sanitaria “don Paolo Bazzotti”, a live-in community, hosting 7 disables with medium-severe handicap. In running all these activities we require all the staffs to strongly take into account the disabled people’s needs and desires, in order to make the life happier and more pleasant. Our priority is helping them attain a better quality of life.
Some of these needs are linked to the use of free time: for instance their desire for going out, going to the cinema, on excursions, or on holidays with friends …

Marek and Pablo

2008-04-16T10:39:00.007+02:00

Marek - our batman from Poland

Pablo - our exclusive volunteer from Spain

Their project is -

Organisation: AGORÀ SOCIETÀ COOPERATIVA SOCIALE

Project location:Rivarolo Mantovano, a small village small village of 3000 inhabitants in the heart of the Po Valley (Northern Italy), 30 Km off the town of Mantova.

Theme:Disability

Project summary:The project deals with disabled adults; in 3 different centres.The tasks for volunteers are helping the users better express their potentialities, feelings and emotions through different and alternative communicative channels, such as art, body expression, etc

Ola

2008-04-14T16:21:00.024+02:00

Ola - our international volunteer from Poland

Her project is -
Organisation:Mosaico società cooperativa sociale
Project location:Castiglione delle Stiviere, a small town of 19,000 inhabitants, in the northern part of the province of Mantova, Northern Italy.
Theme: Social integration and Youth leisure
Project summary:This project helps disadvantaged youngsters, mainly immigrants or children and teenagers with behavioural difficulties.The European volunteers could mainly support:- activities at the local kindergarten - leisure time activities for children and youngsters

Joana's "GoodByeParty"!

2008-04-08T11:30:00.013+02:00

I’m leaving soon!
I’m very happy that I’ve had the opportunity to take part in this EVS project called “AnimAction”.Mantova has become my home, it was not only a place where I could evade myself but also a place where I’ve had fun with some friends and where I’ve worked.
I’ve had a great and unforgettable experience here and I feel that I’ll bring so much things back home.
I really think that all good things come to an end just to enable other good things to begin..;) A new journey waits for me..;) ‘cause “home” is where you feel happy so it can be anywhere!
Wish you all the best and hope to see you all soon because I will surely miss you.
Hugs,
Joana

I'm back :)

2008-04-07T13:18:00.002+02:00

Hi, my name is Antje. I'm 23 years old and I come from Hannover/Germany. Since February I'm in Italy for a practical training at the International Activities office of Alce Nero. I like Italy very much and this is also the reason why I came back 3 years after I did an EVS close to Mantova.

VIDEO: OUR VIEWS ON EDUCATION

2008-03-31T14:05:00.015+02:00

VIDEO IS HERE

Although the top may look too high to reach

you can't just wait at the window

take out your energy and start climbing up...

and try to see beyond the obstacles

try to work with other colleagues

share opinions with them

especially when you feel confused

or disoriented

or you feel like punching against a door

use a bit of creativity instead

and study the instractions

until you find out the right key...

and after darkness...

sunshine comes

and a wonderfull landscape appears

what a precious garden at last!

but never forget to put fresh water

and be very patient...

to see what wonderful trees you've helped to grown up!

and you can finally take a rest...

... before the vulcano erupts again!

VIDEO IS HERE

Place - Ravello

Date - September 2008

Theme - Seminar "Jamo"

Director - Irene & Vittoria

bye bye Ravello...

Arrived!!!

2008-03-03T12:10:00.006+01:00

Berta, Susana, Sara, Laura and Mar (from left to right)

They have arrived!!!

Sara will work at Cooperativa Bucaneve with disabled people, Berta will work with children at Peter Pan and they will live together at Castelgoffredo.

Laura and Susana will work at Asilo Nido with children from 0 to 3 years old and Mar will work in a multicultural centre called Mondolandia with children and youngsters. The three of them will live together at Castiglione delle Stiviere!!

Thanks for your good mood and energy!

We wish you the most wonderful 2 months here in Italy!

Ana's presentation!

2008-03-03T10:17:00.003+01:00

My name is Ana, I'm 23. I'm from Carcassonne, in South France.
It's the first time I take part in a project like EVS, so I'm a bit nervous but full of motivation!!
I'm going to work in "Cooperativa La Quercia" with disabled people, for 9 months. This project was made for me! I like being usefull. Hope this experience will help me being more self -confident.
I'm very happy to learn talking Italian; one of my dreams is coming true!!

Youth Exchange BLACK ON WHITE

2008-02-21T10:25:00.010+01:00

Youngsters of 4 different countries; Italy, France, Spain and Turkey, have met from the 2nd to the 9th of February in San Lorenzo di Curtatone (Mantova) around the theme of youth participation and inclusion in social life.

They've discussed about the possible ways for multiplying activities and projects on this issue and increasing their quality.

The title of this exchange: BLACK ON WHITE, refers to the two different topics the exchange focused on: the first was inclusion of diversity, and the second is the final product: a multilingual newspaper where they wrote their considerations and indications, so that they are not forgotten but become the fist input to give birth to a concrete and visible participation at their return.

Thanks for participating! We hope to see you in the next exchange..
If you want to see out journal you can download it here...

See you soon! ;)

2008-02-21T10:04:00.010+01:00

They have left; first Tamar and Goran, in December of the last year, and than Iria and Ana in January. We miss you all and hope to see you again very soon!
Thanks for all the unforgetable moments we've lived together..:)
Wish you the best luck!!!

Lisa's presentation

2008-01-18T10:07:00.000+01:00

Hey, my name is Lisa and I am an artist. My main interests surround contemporary art and it is my long term ambition to become recognised for my paintings! I have a small family and a few really good friends who I can rely on, these are really important to me!
I thought I could start this blog by compiling a list of the things that fascinate me day to day; the human brain and body language, people watching, nature documentaries, food, artists, colour, the outdoors, vintage clothing, anything ‘retro’, grannies, materials and hand made things!
As a creative person my interests lie within visiting galleries, markets, photography exhibitions and travelling. One of my dreams is to travel around the rest of Europe, New Zealand and china. Other things I like to do; I love to spend time listening to the radio, classical concerts and going to gigs! As far as music goes I’m pretty open minded… although Chris Martin (Coldplay) is a genius!
Things I can’t do but wish I could do; enjoy roller coasters, successfully go bowling, sing!
As far as dislikes goes it would have to be extreme sports, I’m not exactly ‘sporty,’

But really to end on a positive note I’ll try most things once!
Finally …I can’t wait to meet everyone and start the project! :)

Tatiana's presentation

2008-01-16T15:26:00.000+01:00

Ciao a tutti!

Mi chiamo Tatiana, I’m from Russia and I’m completely because of this opportunity to take part in this EVS project! I’m a member of voluntary organization in Russia already for 3 years. During this time we did a lot of interesting things – projects, festivals, etc. I’m mad about this idea of voluntary service and of this opportunity to express oneself through voluntary work, to find ones place in this world.

About myself: In fact I have only few desires in my life.

First one is traveling – traveling through different countries with different people, traveling with or without somebody, to or from something. Discovering new customs, traditions or just walking along the streets with no aim. I don’t like traditional excursions only as exception; I prefer to discover country from inside, through people.

The second one is literature – I’m reading books on Russian, English, Italian and Ukrainian language, I’m collecting them, I like the process of reading, but I’m reading only that books which I really like (not just for quantity). I’m also writing articles to the local journal and dreaming with my friends about our own one called “Out of genre” where we could write about our experience and meetings with interesting places and wonderful people.

The third one is cinema – not so long ago I started to collect films. With my friends we organized videoclub, hope that someday I become real professional in the cinema-question)) And now I just have a small camera and make short movies about my friends and our adventures. What else… I danced for 8 years in the school so I could be a dance teacher)) why not?) Or organize an art-classes, I was always good in hand-made)) Anyway I hope all my opportunities and skills (even that one which I still don’t know about) would help to make our project the best way!

Hope to see all of you as soon as possible!
Un baccio and abbraccio a tutti!

Let's Act Together

2007-11-06T10:41:00.000+01:00

From 24th until 31st of July we had a youth exchage called Let's Act Together. The exchange took place in Struga, Macedonia . There were participants from four countries : Italy, France , Macedonia and Bosnia.

The topic of this exchange was discrimination. During the activities, we discussed about this issue, made debates, and filmed scenes of discrimination, etc... Every group organized also different national nights.

And like a final result of this youth exchange we made a video.

It is a short but wonderful experience, gives you oppurtunities to know new cultures and make new friends.

SO I SAY: JUST DO IT, YOU WON'T REGRET!

Arrived Joana !

2007-09-14T10:03:00.000+02:00

My name is Joana, I’m 23 years old and I’m Portuguese. I’m living in Mantova for 2 months and a half and I’m really enjoying my experience. Mantova is very beautiful, my project is very interesting and I’m happy.

Arrived Kata !

2007-07-11T13:31:00.000+02:00

I am Kata, I come from Hungary. I just arrived here.

I am studying languages French and Italian.
I like Italy a lot, I hope to know it better and to learn to communicate in Italian.

Arrived Ana !

2007-07-10T16:03:00.000+02:00

I am Ana, I am from Spain. I am here to learn how is this work in other countries. In this way I can see how things are made in different ways in other countries: not only the job, but also the lifestyle and the language.

Arrived Iria !

2007-07-10T14:08:00.001+02:00

Hi I am Iria, I am 25 years old, come from Madrid,I live in Mantova.

I am here to live a new experiance and to grow up.

I advise EVS to everybody !

THE NEW EUROPEAN VOLUNTEERS

2007-05-14T12:31:00.000+02:00

Hello I am Goran, the new european volunteer and I come from Macedonia.I arrive in april in Mantova , and three girls, Ana and Iria they come from Spain from Madrid, and Tamar from Georgia.I worke at the desk of International Activities, Ana with disabled people, Iria with the childrens and Tamar she works with imigrant children and youngsters.

THEY HAVE LEFT!

2007-04-16T15:16:00.000+02:00

Sophie, Lotta, Eva and Affaf have left Mantua! After 9 months here as European Volunteers (somebody worked with disabled people, somebody with children, somebody at the desk of International Activities...), they went back to their countries (the Netherlands, Germany, Spain and France)...

All the best from your Italian friends!

LEONARDO PROJECT 2007 !

2007-04-03T14:19:00.000+02:00

HERE WE ARE!

They are six (but when there is a party they misteriously become more!) and they come from the marvellous Madrid!

Raquel works in coop. Mosaico with immigrate children and youngsters, Noelia and Ana take care of babies in a nursery,
Luìs and Dani collaborate with youth centres of Mantua and surroundings
and Sandra is specialized in helping ex-prisoners to go back at work.

If you would like to discover more about them, you can look at their travel/party photos (link "photos EVS")...

New Leonardo da Vinci trainees are arriving...

2007-02-26T09:44:00.000+01:00

On Saturday March 3rd, six trainees for the Leonardo da Vinci programme will arrive in Mantova and surroundings. Alexandra, Daniel, Raquel, Ana, Noelia and Luis come from Madrid (Spain) and will stay in Italy for two months. Leonardo da Vinci is part of the European programme which gives young people the opportunity to experience a vocational training abroad. The Spanish youngsters who arrive this Saturday will work in different work fields like youth centres, schools, game rooms etc. Pictures will arrive very soon!

Julisca leaves Italy...

2007-02-21T12:28:00.000+01:00

One of our Dutch volunteers, Julisca, has already finished her EVS project and is going back to the Netherlands again. She worked seven months with disabled people at one of the centres of Agorà. We'll miss her!

Un!nforma opens its doors again!

2007-02-21T11:56:00.000+01:00

We are at the first level of the university campus (ex Bonomi) at Via Scarsellini 2, at another position, nearby the new office of Sportello Giovani.

You can find us each Monday and Wednesday from 10 to 12 for information, advice and orientation. The desk is open for everyone, not only university students!

work in Italy and abroad, European mobility, orientation, voluntary work, civil service, student residences

Contact
E-mail: uninforma@unimn.it
Phone: 0376 286274 - 0376 263627

Sophie's Apple Crumble

2007-02-13T12:42:00.000+01:00

Ingredients
4 apples
cinnamon
75 g sugar
75 g butter
150 g flour

How to make
Oven at 200 degrees. Take the skin of the apples off, cut the apples into little pieces and put them in an oven plate. Put some cinnamon on the apples. Mix the butter, the flour and the sugar all together, until you get a 'crumble' paste. Put these paste over the apples and then in the oven for 30-45 minutes.

Forum!

2007-01-02T14:40:00.000+01:00

A new year, something new! From now on, we have our own forum where you can post comments, start discussions, ask questions etc. The first topic has already been started with the question: do you have good intensions for the year 2007? Please feel free to add yours, we are curious! Click at the link 'Forum!' on the right and participate!

2006-12-28T11:43:00.000+01:00

Happy New Year!

Christmas 2006

2006-12-28T10:46:00.000+01:00

We hope you all had a beautiful Christmas! It was a nice evening during the Christmas Buffet at Vicky's house...You can find the pictures in the link on the right (Photos EVS).

Christmas Buffet

2006-12-12T11:22:00.000+01:00

On Monday December 18th, we organize an international buffet at Vittoria's house in the centre of the lovely city Mantova. Please bring all a typical meal of your country and a little present that represents your origin (at a maximum of € 5). With this buffet we will have a pre-Christmas and above all, we will say goodbye to Brendan, our Irish volunteer who finished his EVS project. We hope to see you all on Monday around 19h30!

Welcome Steffi!

2006-12-12T10:11:00.000+01:00

The 1st of December arrived our new volunteer from Germany, Stefanie! She will be working on the project "Come Home" at Casa della Rosa in Goito for a period of nine months. We wish her good luck and of course a lot of fun!

The girl on the picture in the middle is Steffi!

Merry Christmas!

2006-12-06T16:52:00.000+01:00

The days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting colder and colder...the days of Christmas are coming up! We wish you all warm days together with family and friends.

Merry Christmas!

International formations

2006-09-19T15:59:00.000+02:00

What are international formations?
International formations are part of the European Youth Programme. They aim to offer opportunities to applicants to develop new Youth projects, improve their skills in non-formal education and inform others about the Youth programme.
There are nine types of activities:
1. Practical training experience (job shadowing)
This activity allows youth workers to acquire the skills for organising a transnational project by working in a partner organisation for a limited period of time.
2. Feasibility visits
These allow project managers to discuss a project idea before submitting an application for an exchange or EVS.
3. Contact-making seminars
These bring together potential partners for youth projects.
4. Study visits
These provide an opportunity to learn about youth work provisions in other countries.
5. Seminars
These are a tool for the exchange of experience and good practice, consultations or policy development etc. with regard to the Youth programme and youth policy.
6. Training courses
These help those involved in youth work and non-formal education to acquire advanced skills and knowledge for their activities.
7. Youth information
This activity supports the production and dissemination of information and training material relating to the Youth programme.
8. Transnational partnerships and networks
Their objective is to create new networks under the Youth programme.
9. Support for quality and innovation
This activity aims at involving young people with less opportunities in the Youth programme at national, regional and local levels.

For whom?

youth workers
trainers
support persons
mentors
project managers
youth leaders
groups of young people
other actors involved or interested in non-formal education

Interested?

Are you interested in setting up an international activity? Have a look at this website: http://www.salto-youth.net/ or contact us by e-mail (see 'about me' in the column on the right)

Do you like to come to Mantova as an EVS volunteer?

2006-09-14T17:21:00.000+02:00

Besides being an EVS sending organisation for Italian youngsters, we are also an EVS hosting organisation for people outside Italy.

We've got a lot of interesting projects for young people who are living outside Italy and who are wanting to experience the Italian culture!

All the projects we coordinate

A...different creativity: 2005-IT-99
AnimAction: 2005-IT-91
At the right rhythm: 2003-IT-161
Come home: 2005-IT-37
Differently together: 2003-IT-16
Integra: 2005-IT-60
InternActional Desk: 2005-IT-93
True time: 2003-IT-15

Do you want to go abroad with the European Voluntary Service (EVS)?

2006-09-14T16:03:00.000+02:00

Are you between 18 and 25 years old?
Do you want to do individual volunteer work within Europe?
Do you like to learn another language, do you like to meet new people, but you don't want to spend a lot of money?
Go abroad with EVS!

What is EVS?

You can do EVS for a minimum of 6 months and for a maximum of 12 months. You can choose between a lot of projects which can take place, for example, in the field of the environment, arts and culture, activities with children, young people or the elderly, heritage, or sports and leisure. An EVS project gives you a lot of opportunities and costs almost nothing. It involves a partnership between three actors:

1) you, as a (future) volunteer
2) a sending organisation
3) a host organisation

Together with the sending and host organisation, a subsidy for all the costs (travel, insurance, appartment rent, money for food, pocket money) will be arranged.

Interested?

Are you interested to go abroad with EVS? Don't hesitate to contact us for further information. You can find our contact information in the 'about me' colomn on the right. You might also have a look at: http://ec.europa.eu/youth/program/sos/vh_evs_en.html for more details about EVS.

Intercultural Exchanges

2006-09-13T15:01:00.000+02:00

Why?
Intercultural exchanges are a part of the youth programme set up by the European Union. They are meant to bring young people from different countries together. In this way they can learn from each other and are able to discover and explore similarities and differences between their cultures. Such an experience can help combat negative prejudices and stereotypes. Moreover, the effect of a youth exchange on the local population can give rise to more positive awareness of other cultures and have an impact not only on the young people themselves and their associations’ activities, but also on the local communities.

What is it?
A youth exchange brings together groups of young people from different backgrounds from two or more countries, providing them with an opportunity to discuss and confront various themes.

Who can participate?
If you're between 15 and 25 years old and living in a EU country. We'll keep you informed about new exchanges coming up. In the meantime you might have a look at former exchanges.

Are you into something new?

2006-09-13T14:34:00.000+02:00

Have you ever dreamt of going abroad for a while? Are you interested in other cultures? Do you like to speak another language besides your mother tongue? Well, this is your chance! Attività Internazionali is a desk in Mantova (Italy) which stimulates intercultural awareness and international mobility of students and youngsters all over Europe. Our main activities are:

Intercultural exchanges
European Volunteer Service (EVS)
International formation

Just have a look at the links above and find out about your possibilities!